The powers-that-be cannot seem to decide whether we play pool or billiards. The stock answer I provide to members of the world media, of course, is that “pocket billiards” is the official name for our sport, “pool” our commonly recognized slang term...
But try to input “pool” in Google and see what you get for sport results.
“Billiards Pool”
After Matsuo Basho (1644 – 1694)
Billiards pool. Which name?
Can’t decide if they had tried
To point definite.
Billiards pool. Why choose?
One runs wet chlorinated.
One is my third love.
Billiards pool. Who knows?
Instruction articles here.
On tap, a hustler.
Pool billiards. Better?
Not bloody likely, say I.
Reverse my english.
-Matt Sherman, Pool & Billiards Guide, Poetry Master
...And so the debate continues to rage over “billiards pool” or “pool billiards” or my favorite, “ball game with a stick and 6 holes”.
